MarAd appoints firm for work on RRF security code compliance

MarAd appoints firm for work on RRF security code compliance    The U.S. Maritime Administration has awarded a contract to Sea & Land Security, LLC, through Marine Design and Operations, Inc., to develop a Ship Security Assessment and Ship Security Plan for the Ready Reserve Force fleet, to comply with requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard's International Ship and Port Facility Security code.
   Assessment teams will be provided by the Sea & Land Security on both U.S. coasts and overseas. Another five MarAd-furnished schoolships used for training at the country's Maritime Academies are also included.
   In addition to conducting security assessments for ports and ships, Sea & Land Security supplies maritime security compliance services pursuant to the International Ship and Port Facility Security code and the Maritime Transportation Security Act. This includes providing security officers for ships, ports and companies, preparing security plans, providing physical security for ports and shipping companies as well as training for company security officers, ship security officers and port facility security officers.
   Sea & Land Security is headed by Ronald M. Katims, the former president of Navieras and former vice president of engineering of Sea-Land Service.
   Sea & Land Security said it has a certified company security officer on staff, and a team of experienced security experts specialized in counter-terrorism, international and domestic terrorism, seaport security, bomb recognition, and law enforcement.
   The International Ship and Port Facility Security code becomes mandatory on July 1, 2004. “Non-compliant vessels, ports and related transportation companies will be subject to control actions, such as denial of ship entry or detainment in port and other business curtailments,” Sea & Land Security said.